Theological Works

Moral right & wrong transcends culture. Amos was an equal-opportunity prophet of judgement, foretelling the fall of eight nations for disrespecting human life and thus the image of God in mankind (Amos 1+2). Syria, Edom, and Ammon were guilty of merciless slaughter (1:3+11), even against pregnant women (v13). Philistia and Tyre (1:6+9) were guilty of slavery. Moab was guilty of desecrating corpses (2:1). As God's chosen people, Judah and Israel were held to a higher standard and therefore guilty of idolatry (2:4) and ingratitude (v12) on top of others. Amos reveals that every nation and culture is in rebellion to God since his moral law is written on all our hearts. Moral pluralists fail to explain how injustice (v6), sexual sins (v7), dishonest gain (v8), and other crimes against humanity transcend culture. As Christians we must remember that like Judah and Israel, we are called to a higher standard still. Amos warns us never to silence the word of God by denouncing other denominations or demanding our personal theology. Also, we're called to remember all that God has done on behalf with thanksgiving.